The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) helps eligible Ontarians manage everyday costs—especially energy, property taxes, and sales taxes. OTB combines three credits into one monthly payment so households don’t have to track multiple cheques. For October 2025, payments are slated for Friday, October 10, 2025 (or the preceding business day if the 10th ever fell on a weekend/holiday). Below is everything you need to know about eligibility, the October payment date, and how to ensure smooth delivery.
Table of Contents
What Is the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)?
The OTB folds three provincial credits into a single payment:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC): Offsets part of your property tax and energy costs.
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC): Extra help for Northern Ontario residents facing higher energy costs.
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): Annual sales-tax relief for low- to moderate-income residents.
Amounts are calculated from your 2024 income tax return and paid out on a monthly schedule in the 2025–26 benefit year (unless your annual entitlement is small enough to be paid as a single lump sum).
OTB October 2025 Payment Date
- Scheduled date: October 10, 2025
- Weekend/holiday rule: If the 10th is a weekend or statutory holiday, payment issues will occur on the preceding business day.
- Administered by: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of Ontario.
NEW: One-Glance Overview (Embed-Ready)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) |
| What OTB Includes | Ontario Energy & Property Tax Credit (OEPTC), Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC), Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) |
| October 2025 Payment Date | October 10, 2025 (moves to prior business day if needed) |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly (some recipients receive an annual lump sum) |
| Administrator | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the Province of Ontario |
| How It’s Paid | Direct deposit (fastest) or cheque by mail |
| Direct Deposit Setup | Through CRA My Account / direct deposit enrolment |
| Eligibility Basics | Ontario resident; age 18+ (or with an eligible family situation); paid property tax, rent, or energy costs for principal residence; NOEC requires Northern Ontario residency |
| Application Form | ON-BEN (submitted with your 2024 tax return) |
| How Amounts Are Calculated | Based on 2024 tax return info: income, family size, housing/energy situation |
| If Delayed | Check CRA My Account → Confirm banking/address → Allow mail time (up to 10 business days for cheques) |
| Category | Government Aid |
Eligibility Requirements (Quick Check)
To be considered for OTB in the 2025–26 cycle, you should:
- Be an Ontario resident as of December 31, 2024.
- Be 18 or older, or have/had a spouse or common-law partner, or be a parent who lives/lived with your child.
- Have you filed your 2024 income tax return and included the ON-BEN form to apply for OEPTC/NOEC (OSTC is calculated automatically).
- Have paid property tax, rent, or energy costs for your principal residence in Ontario (criteria differ slightly for NOEC).
- For Northern Ontario residents: meet the regional criteria to access NOEC in your combined OTB.
Tip: You must file your 2024 return to trigger the 2025–26 OTB assessment—even if you had no income.
How the October Payment Is Delivered
OTB payments are issued in one of two ways:
- Direct Deposit:
- Fastest and most secure.
- Funds typically land on the payment date.
- Set up or update banking via CRA My Account.
- Cheque by Mail:
- Sent to the mailing address on your return.
- Allow up to 10 business days for delivery, depending on location.
Delivery Time Comparison
| Payment Method | Delivery Time |
|---|---|
| Direct Deposit | Same day (payment date) |
| Cheque by Mail | Up to 10 business days |
How OTB Amounts Are Calculated
Your monthly OTB comes from your annual 2024 return and depends on:
- Net income (individual or family)
- Family size and dependants
- Property tax or rent paid, and energy costs
- Region (NOEC for Northern Ontario)
Some recipients will see their total entitlement split evenly into monthly deposits, while others—especially those with small balances—may get a single lump sum.
Ensuring Timely Delivery (Pre-Payment Checklist)
- File your 2024 tax return (with ON-BEN) if you haven’t already.
- Enroll in direct deposit via CRA My Account (or confirm your banking details are current).
- Check your address on file if you rely on cheques.
- Watch the calendar: For October, look for funds on Oct 10, 2025. Cheques can take additional mailing time.
- Track in CRA My Account: See issuance status and amounts.
Common Situations & Quick Fixes
- You moved recently: Update your mailing address in CRA My Account to avoid returned cheques.
- Bank account changed: Update direct deposit details immediately to prevent failed deposits.
- No payment received:
- Confirm the issue date has passed.
- Check CRA My Account for status.
- For cheques, allow 10 business days.
- Contact CRA if still missing after the wait window.
- Income or living situation changed: Your 2025–26 OTB is based on 2024 information and may only reflect new circumstances after your 2025 return is assessed for the next cycle.
OTB vs. Its Component Credits (What Each Covers)
| Component | What It Helps With | Who Typically Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| OEPTC | Property taxes & energy costs | Renters and homeowners who paid eligible amounts for their principal residence |
| NOEC | Higher energy costs in Northern Ontario | Residents in designated Northern Ontario regions |
| OSTC | Sales tax relief on everyday purchases | Low- to moderate-income individuals/families (calculated automatically) |
FAQs
Q1. When will I receive my October 2025 OTB?
Ans. October 10, 2025. If the 10th is a weekend or holiday, payment is made on the preceding business day.
Q2 Do I need to apply separately for OTB?
Ans. Submit the ON-BEN form with your 2024 tax return to be assessed for OEPTC/NOEC. OSTC is calculated automatically from your return.
Q3. How do I get paid by direct deposit?
Ans. Enroll or update banking info via CRA My Account. Direct deposit is faster and avoids mail delays.
Q4. What should I do if I didn’t receive my payment on the scheduled date?
Ans. Check CRA My Account for “issued” status, confirm your banking or address, allow mail time for cheques, then contact CRA if still missing.
Q5. What determines my monthly amount?
Ans. Your 2024 return: income, family size/dependants, and housing/energy situation. Some people receive a monthly payment, others a single annual payment.